Traveling with your baby: from birth and later...

What will you need to take with  you: 

1. Baby's passport and a copy of her birth certificate

2. Travel permission from a not traveling parent. Two copies should be notarized. Bank of America provides free of charge notary services for Bank of America customers. One notarized copy will be taken when checking in at the airport, keep the second copy for yourself

3. Diapers. Count how many diapers your baby goes through in a day and take a double amount with you. Flights get delayed and canceled you need enough diapers for the worth case scenario.
4. Regular baby wipes 

5. Anti-bacterial baby/adult wipes 

6. Big bottle of water and juice. At the security point tell them that liquids are for the baby. Majority airport staff knows it, but they might ask.

7. Baby food, formula, snacks, fruit, etc. Make sure you have enough food for a full day. I highly recommend using food jars by FOOGO to store baby food when traveling.
8. Bibs, baby spoons, forks and all the other feeding accesorries that you usually use. 

9. An old (favorite) and a new toy! You will need to keep your baby occupied with a new toy or make her feel secure with a familiar toy for the duration of the trip.

10. Baby health-care kit. Make sure you have adhesive bandages, baby Tylenol or any other fever/pain reliever. 

11. Liittle trash bags to eliminate dirty diaper odor. 

12. Hand sanitizer

13. Baby's health record / yellow card

14. An extra outfit or even two, little accidents happen all the time :) 

15. Baby blanket or a sweater. It gets chilly on a plane or train
16. Pillow is a must have! Sleeping baby on a pillow and not your lap is much more comfortable for you and your baby.

My advise: 

1. I strongly believe that a list above is all your need for your trip. 

2. No need to pack regular napkins, you can get them anywhere in the airport: restroom, coffee shops, etc. 

3. Do not take things that you "might" need. You will already have your things, baby things, your baby, umbrella stroller or a baby carrier and a pillow, you do not need things that you "might" need. 

4. Ask for help! Majority people, even airport staff won't help you. Ask where family line is, if they do not have one kindly ask if they could put you in front of the line. I would only do it if you need to change a baby, she is hungry of crying. You would think that people with common sense will offer help or will let you go in front of the line but you will be surprised how many people do not have common sense. Do not be shy, ask for help or get it yourself.

5. Plan your trip well.

6. Arrive to the airport or a train station at least two hour prior your trip

7. Make sure to board first. Majority of airlines or train companies board passengers with infants/children under 2 years first, but some airline do not have that rule, so make sure to speak to an airline representative to help you board first.

8. Do not get embarrassed if your baby is crying during the trip. It happens sometimes and people understand, at least majority will understand. There will be a lot of parents on board who has gone through the same experience. 

9. At the security point be ready to take all the baby food out for testing. 

10. Remember that you will need to take your baby out of the car seat or a stroller and carry her through the security. Your stroller has to be screened. This will probably be the most challenging part when traveling with your baby. Folding and unfolding the stroller, unpacking and packing the carry on while holding your baby. Get prepared for it and will not stress you out as much.
11. On international flights do not forget to request a bassinet if your baby in under 10 kg / 23 pounds.

12. On international flights you will be given a baby seat belt, make sure to ask how to use it if you have never used one before. 

13. There are only two or maybe even one baby life jacket on domestic US flights, make sure you have one under your seat if not flight attendant will move your to the right row. 

14. When traveling by train make sure to board first in order to get the first row. You will have enough space  for the stroller, diaper bag, car seat etc. 

15. Last but not least, ignore all the negative comments that you might here. It is not worth it.

Be prepared.

Need help, ask for for help.

Do not worry it is all going to be fine!